Longtime Canton Symphony conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann under hospice care

CANTON − Gerhardt Zimmermann, decades-long conductor of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, informed the organization that he is now under hospice care.

In a heartfelt letter posted on Facebook through his daughter, and also emailed by the Canton Symphony to its supporters, Zimmermann spoke emotionally about his love for classical music as he made it clear he's no longer able to serve as maestro.

Zimmermann has served as conductor since 1980.

"I hope this letter finds you well and surrounded by the joy of music," he wrote in Thursday's post. "It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I write to you today to share some difficult news. After nearly 50 extraordinary years of leading this marvelous orchestra, it is my responsibility to inform you of a significant decline in my health and my transition to hospice care."

Rachel Hagemeier, president and CEO of the Canton Symphony, released a statement late Thursday afternoon on behalf of the organization.

"The Canton Symphony Orchestra is putting all thoughts toward Gerhardt's well-being and his family at this time," she said. "He is a rock for this organization and our pillar of musical integrity.

"We are devastated by this news. We are proud to have him as our music director, as he has served this organization for 42 years and will continue to do so until the situation changes. The (Canton Symphony Orchestra) will keep the public updated on any changes to the maestro's health as deemed necessary by our executive committee and Maestro Zimmermann's family."

Zimmermann had last conducted the Canton Symphony Orchestra on April 30 during the final MasterWorks concert of the season, featuring the classical music of Dvořák & Ravel. The concert also featured the Canton Symphony Chorus, as well as noted singers soprano Gabrielle Haigh and baritone Brian Keith Johnson.

Last year, the symphony had announced that Zimmermann would be stepping down in 2026 as the maestro.

Assistant conductor Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz is expected to succeed him, the announcement explained. The symphony also named Jaroszewicz the music director designate upon Zimmermann's retirement.

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'The gem that many people search their whole lives for and never find.'

Zimmermann, who has served as the conductor and music director, referred to the symphony as his musical family.

"It is the gem that many people search their whole lives for and never find," he said of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. "And I was lucky enough to have it for so many years."

More: Canton Symphony Orchestra marks first full season since COVID with final MasterWorks show

"Throughout the past half-century, it has been an absolute privilege and honor to stand before this exceptional group of musicians as your conductor," he wrote. "Together, we have created unforgettable experiences for ourselves and our audiences. The dedication, talent, and passion that each of you brings to our performances have made the Canton Symphony Orchestra a beacon of excellence in the world of classical music.

"... Though my body may weaken, my love for music, and the incredible talent each of you possesses, remains undiminished. I implore each and every one of you to continue nurturing music; embrace the beauty of every note, find inspiration in every measure, and strive for excellence in every performance. Cherish the camaraderie that exists within this orchestra, for it is the bond that fuels our collective brilliance."

Zimmermann also has served as conductor of the North Carolina Symphony

Zimmermann's history is rich with service to orchestras outside Canton.

His "energetic and vibrant performances have drawn invitations to appear on the podium with the Cleveland, Chicago, National, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Jersey, Syracuse, Rochester and San Antonio orchestras, as well as several international orchestras and opera companies," the Canton Symphony Orchestra's website says.

In 2006, Zimmermann was named director of orchestral activities at The University of Texas at Austin, the local orchestra said. After serving 21 years as music director and conductor of the North Carolina Symphony, he also has been the conductor laureate of that orchestra.

In late 2019, Zimmermann had fallen seriously ill before a public health emergency was declared across the country because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Zimmermann had a high fever and cough, and the illness continued into 2020. A test came back positive for coronavirus antibodies; a second test, however, was negative. He spent two weeks hospitalized, followed by roughly two weeks of rehabilitative care.

"I do know music can be and is for many people a healing medicine so to speak," he said in a 2021 interview following his recovery and return to conducting. "We certainly do need healing individually, and as a country."

Zimmermann also told the story of how he was stricken with polio when he was 7 years old.

"I originally wanted to be a second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds," he recalled.

"And contracting the polio disease, it didn't work out," Zimmermann said. "Growing into an adult and everything, music really, really spoke to my soul and spoke to my heart."

'It was as if the heavens opened up.'

Throughout the letter, which was shared with the orchestra's musicians, Zimmermann spoke of the symphony with reverence and delight.

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"Please understand that I will forever be with you in spirit, even if I am unable to stand on the podium," he wrote. "Your dedication, talent, and commitment have made the Canton Symphony Orchestra an artistic force to be reckoned with, and I have the utmost faith in your ability to carry that torch forward. May music always be your guide, and may the passion in your hearts continue to ignite the souls of your audiences. Never stop pursuing the beauty that lies within each note.

"Sitting in the orchestra for the first time at Bowling Green, it was as if the heavens opened up. From that moment on, a conductor was all I wanted to be. In life, if you're going to do it, give it all you can. Live it. Breath it. Sing it. Enjoy it. Love it. Sing, sing, sing..."

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Longtime Canton Symphony conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann under hospice care